TubeNet

Hey all!

I am looking for a gig bag for my Thor. I have been leaning towards a Cronkhite bag because of their reputation. Could anyone shed some light on the pros/cons between cordura and leather? From what I have gathered, leather provides better protection and lasts longer, but is sensitive to weather and 2-4 lbs heavier. I am not sure whether or not 2-4 lbs is significant when carrying around a rather heavy tuba, but it could be. Lastly, if not a Cronkhite bag, are there other bags out there that are worth looking in to?

Thanks,
Max

I have the Cronkhite cordura, it is a very well made bag. I would get another one just like it should the need arise.

Do you think the weight difference between cordura and leather is significant in your experience?

mg721709 wrote:Do you think the weight difference between cordura and leather is significant in your experience?

There is a noticeable difference in weight between the two with the leather bags being (obviously) heavier than cordura. The "padding" on both is exactly the same, it's only a difference of the exterior shell: cordura being rather thin, but very strong, light and wear resistant or leather which is thicker and heavier weight material.

Leather bags will also show more wear than their cordura counterparts. You'll see any scratches and scuffs and wear patterns from where the bag gets stretched, folded or rubbed against things but I don't think I'd call them sensitive to weather. There are many different types of leather care products and even shoe polish that can be used on a gig bag to keep it looking good if you're so inclined. You can get a leather bag wet in the rain, too. Some colors of leather will show water spots, some won't, but you won't ruin the bag if you have to walk to your car in the rain with a leather bag.

Cordura is surprisingly durable. Unless it gets cut, it just seems to keep on going and going. I've got a cordura Dolly Bag for my F that I've had in my possession for 10 years or so that I purchased used here on Tubenet from someone that had had it for 10 years or so before that, so it's around 20 years old and the cordura is still going strong. Zippers have been replaced after that much use, but the fabric is in good shape. A couple years ago I bought another used Dolly Bag for my Alexander that is also cordura. Same story here...fabric is fine after years and years of use.

Point being, don't rely on leather for increased durability because cordura is pretty darn strong stuff. Leather bags do look pretty darn cool, I'll give you that. I absolutely love the dark brown and British tan bag that Wade had done for his old Alexander. You can see photos of that on the hornguys site. I just remember the leather bag for the PT-10 I had for long term loan...that tuba in a leather bag was heavier than my Alexander (which is a very lightweight tuba, yes) inside of its hard case.

A Thor weighs about 30 lbs, yes?

A Cordura Cronkhite tuba case is 9 pounds, and a leather version is 13 pounds. So a leather case will add about 10% more to the weight of tuba and (Cordura) case together. This is significant to me. I notice it.

Ferguson
/leather = no dog hair on case
//leather = style

I have enough of a challenge trying to play as well as I would like without having to worry about dinging my horn...oppps (I do have a 981, have to be very careful).

you will get more tarnish on a silver-plated instrument in a leather bag than you would in one that isn't leather.

Good point on leather accelerating silver tarnish. I have a cordura cronkhite bag. It is very well made, very durable ( owned about 2 years), fairly light and the price was significantly lower than leather. Also, good protection though I haven't dropped it. The only negative for cordura is that it seem to attract pet (cat or dog) fur, but it is easy to remove with a piece of tape.